NAEA is excited to announce the official launch of the National Elementary Art Honor Society (NEAHS) for the 2026–2027 school year.
Following a successful 2-year pilot with elementary art educators across the United States, NEAHS expands NAEA’s long-standing National Art Honor Society programs to recognize and celebrate outstanding elementary visual arts students. The new program creates an early pathway for student recognition, leadership, artistic growth, and service that can continue through middle school, high school, and beyond.
For more than 40 years, National Art Honor Society programs have recognized exceptional visual arts students and the educators who inspire them. These programs encourage students to achieve the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service while providing opportunities for leadership, peer recognition, college and career readiness, and meaningful community engagement. Together, these experiences help elevate the value of art education within schools and communities.
The success of the NEAHS pilot demonstrated the powerful impact of recognizing artistic achievement at the elementary level. Educators and students across the country participated in shaping the program, helping establish a strong foundation for its nationwide launch. To learn more about the pilot’s impact, read the featured article highlighting the experience at Percy Priest Elementary School.
Elementary art educators interested in establishing a National Elementary Art Honor Society chapter are encouraged to learn more by visiting http://www.arteducators.org/nahs.
NAEA is proud to expand the National Art Honor Society family through the addition of NEAHS and looks forward to supporting elementary educators and inspiring young artists worldwide.
For additional information about the National Elementary Art Honor Society, please contact Paula Liz, Associate Director of Programs and Creative Engagement, at pliz@arteducators.org.